I cannot "see" one of the computers on my home network. I Can Ping it by its IP Address, but I can not "Ping" It by Name. I believe that means there is some kind of DNS or WINS entry issue -- but what do I do about that?
Are both machines on the same workgroup? Some computers are MSHOME, and others are WORKGROUP. They must be the same to see each other. The fact that they can ping each other simply means they're on the same LAN.
Linney, I appreciate the links you posted in your reply, especially the one about Windows networking myths. It cleared up a few misconceptions on my part about work groups. Computers don't have to be in the same workgroup to see each other, it's just not as straight forward.
Thank you both for your responses. This is where I'm at. I am probably dealing with multiple issues.
1) I verified that all computers used the same workgroup
2) Because one computer would give a timeout message when clicking on that workgroup (did not have authority) - I changed the workgroup name on all workgroups to a new name. My laptop no longer issued that message.
3) The pc in question that could not be pinged was previously connected wirelessly to a WAP which is connected to the router. I disconnected the wireless connection and connected via ethernet. However, then I could no longer even ping by IP address -even though the pc could get to the network.
4) The wired connection went from PC to Vonage device to router. (The vonage device has a passthrough port). I changed the connection so it went directly to the router. Name resolution now works!
So - I now know that if I want the computer accessible to the home network, I cannot connect through the port on the Vonage device. However, I still do not know why I cannot connect this PC wirelessly.
One more thing. I did verify that the Netbios over tcp/ip in the WINS setting is set at: Default - Use NetBIOS setting from the DHCP server. If static IP address is used or the DHCP server does not provide NETBIOS setting, enable NETBIOS over tcp/ip.
This is set this way for both wireless and wired networked devices.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.